Picks and Pans Review: Conscience

Linda and Cecil Womack return with a lean but commanding collection of pop-soul. The tone is struck with the first song, Conscious of My Conscience, which rolls out on a bed of springy and resonant guitars. Its lyrics deal with the freedom that results from finding and following the dictates of one's inner voice. All the songs revolve around love, relationships, ideals and spirit in a simple and sincere manner. The absence of overtly synthesized sounds gives Conscience a striking warmth. Instead there is an organic and quite effective instrumental coloring to the music. The Womacks' voices mix and match beautifully; all married couples should harmonize this well. Conscience also has great melodic strength, ranging from the funky (Good Man Monologue) to the joyous (Celebrate the World). This is a mature record, and its pleasures deepen with every listening. (Island)